I woke up at 4:20am,
Gouqizi tea in a little cup.

Bus 28 comes chug-chug-chug,
Lady swings her big bag — woah! almost kena!
I whoosh to other side.

Alight, walk walk, toilet break,
Bicycle ring-ring! make my heart shake.
"Excuse me, excuse me!" — bike go zoom,
I was steady and no gloom.

Lift up, sit down, girl stare a bit,
Xin Hui moves far, I still sit.
Bicycles ringing like morning bell,
I am still brave, doing well!

August began in the quiet hours of morning,
when the world was still asleep
and I was already awake,
gathering myself for another day.

There were cups of tea,
gouqizi prepared with care,
clothes folded for days ahead,
breakfasts waiting,
and familiar routines
that gave shape to uncertain mornings.

Some days began before sunrise.
Some began with tired eyes,
restless sleep,
stomach cramps,
flu,
coughs,
diarrhoea,
phlegm,
running noses,
and a body asking for rest.

But August reminded me
that listening to my body
is...

Being unwell a lot and being diagnosed with infection.
Waiting was hard.
I was being mocked a lot.
People rejected me.
The hospital was chaotic.
Mum scolded and worried but I left home on my own.
I waited for almost three hours at the hospital.
People felt frustrated to help me.
I went to see the doctor and wait for my blood test results.
I booked a taxi to go home.
I packed my bags.
Charge my phone.
I slept late.
Having to wake up early.
Eyes hurt.
I am alone as my mum went out to work.
...